ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — An Alleghany High School junior is being hailed as a hero after jumping into action to save a choking student. Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Downey, 18, was recognized by the Alleghany Highlands School Board on Monday for his recent act of heroism.
On May 8, Downey rushed to help a choking student in the AHS cafeteria, performing the Heimlich maneuver and saving the student’s life.
At its May meeting, the school board approved a resolution honoring Downey. The resolution describes his quick decision-making and aid as “a remarkable, civic-minded act that was crucial to another person in a moment of need — saving a life — and that also serves as an example of excellent community service.”
We couldn’t be more proud of Zeke. Without hesitation he sprang into action to diffuse what could’ve been a horrible situation,” said Jacob Wright, chair of the Alleghany Highlands School Board. “It’s not easy to act quickly in an emergency situation, many people initially freeze. However, this young man wasted zero time in administering help. He saved a life. That’s something to be really proud of.
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Downey, a welding student at Jackson River Technical Center, learned the Heimlich maneuver (a first aid method for choking) from watching television and movies, according to AHPS.
It’s a useful skill that the teenager said he never imagined he’d put to use during lunch at school. Downey said he sprung into action as soon as he found out that a student was choking nearby.
I think God was talking to me a little bit,” Downey said of his swift action. “God was telling me to get up and go help [the student]. It makes me feel really good that I was able to help.
AHPS said staff members were also present when the choking incident happened, but Downey’s quick action saved valuable time because he was very nearby and noticed the situation immediately.
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Members of Downey’s family were present for his recognition by the school board.
I am proud of Zeke. I didn’t even know he knew how to administer the Heimlich maneuver,” said his mother, Crystal Downey. “I was excited to learn that he had saved a life. I am just super proud of him.
In his spare time, Downey likes playing music, working out, and distance running. He also enjoys doing yard work for friends and family during the summer, according to AHPS.